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"You sure ask a lot of questions, son. All I can tell ya is before you start runnin off to anywhere, you should stop at Firebreather's ...
"You never heard of Firebreather's? He's the best forge in town. He's got just what ya need, and he'll know exactly what ta give ya. One warnin, though. You make sure you got plenty of time to spend there. Yah'see, Firebreather tends to get a bit long winded. He loves to talk. He'll go on for hours, but ya don't wanna interrupt him, that's bad manners no matter where yer from."
A visit to the weaponsmith. It may be an everyday occurrence for some player's characters, and the judge must either be prepared, or spend valuable game time in making up prices for everything the player can imagine. This article gives the judge what she needs to maintain a constant price level in goods, and adds flavor to the visit for the player.
The dwarven weaponsmith, Firebreather, has grown a good reputation of selling quality work from his clean little workshop. His stock is never large, but what he doesn't have, he can get. The dwarf has a full line of normal weapons, armor, shields, horse shoes, nails, and all sorts of hand forged goodies. Firebreather's constantly busy with special orders, too , but he's always ready to take on another challenge.
Firebreather is not only known for his skill at the forge, but even more remarkable is his ability to talk. The dwarf's mouth never stops from the moment he greets someone until they're able to escape. He talks about the weather, local families, gossip, legendary people, politics, jokes, clients, travels he's been on or heard about, philosophy, fashion, fads, everything and anything on the dwarf's mind seems to roll right off, and out of his mouth. He never really stops gabbing, but doesn't seem to take a stand on anything he says. It's rumored that he lost his last two assistants because he talked while he worked, when he ate, and even in his sleep.
Some customers are irritated by this quirk, and don't ever come back, but Firebreather only thinks he's being friendly. He blames the customers for not recognizing his quality work. Actually, the dwarf believes his ramblings to be helpful, revealing information that will aid, and inform his clients. Most people try and avoid a conversation with him, but Firebreather does have friends who have learned to put up with his babbling, and some even find it endearing.
However much the dwarf may ramble, his work is excellent. He can take steel and iron, and turn it into a beautiful, sturdy, magnificent weapon. His love for his craft is expressed in every blade, every wedge, and every hinge he creates. He could easily charge a fortune for his work, but what good would it do if his creations just hung on the wall of his shop? Firebreather's price is quite fair on his forged and reforged items. Some say they're down right cheap. His prices on normal equipment can be a bit high, but he gets no complaints. His work has become well respected in the community as that of quality.
Anyone looking for a specific normal melee weapon, missile weapon, throwing weapon, armor, or shield could find it here. The availability rating for most of these items is "Everyday" (-2: see ED p250), but certain less common items reach "Average" (0) to "Unusual" (+2) levels. At Firebreather's , None of the items listed above that are found on the Goods and Services tables will ever be higher than an "Unusual" level of availability.
The price for these items is a little higher than normal. Firebreather sells them 10% to 20% higher than the Goods and Services tables. This is not only because his quality is good, but also so he can maintain the availability of more rare items.
The thread weapons, and thread armor listed in Earthdawn Companion may be found here. These items are considered "Unusual" (+2) to "Very Rare" (+9) for availability. If the item is found to be unavailable, Firebreather may be able to find one and have it brought there. This is up to the judge on whether she wants the item available to the characters yet. It usually takes several weeks for Firebreather to find a specific item of this type. The price for these items will be very near the listed price in Earthdawn Companion.
Firebreather also keeps a number of weapons around that he has reforged and
upgraded using his Forge Blade talent. These weapons will be from +1 to +3 on
their damage step rating, and are of high quality and craftsmanship. The availability
of these weapons depends on the bonus rate. The availability rating for a +1
weapon will be "Unusual" (+2), a +2 weapon will be "Rare" (+5), and a +3 weapon
will be "Very Rare" (+9). The specific type of weapon requested can be anything
listed on the Goods and Services tables, but the price varies for each item
depending on the base cost of that particular weapon. A list of some example
weapons, their bonuses, and suggested prices are as follows:
| Melee Weapon | Damage Step (+1/ +2/ +3) | Price In Silver |
| Dagger | 3, 4, 5 | 100, 300, 600 |
| Dwarf Sword | 4, 5, 6 | 110, 310, 610 |
| Whip | 4, 5, 6 | 110, 310, 610 |
| Short Sword | 5, 6, 7 | 116, 316, 616 |
| Broad Sword | 6, 7, 8 | 125, 325, 625 |
| Troll Sword | 7, 8, 9 | 150, 350, 650 |
| Two-Handed Sword | 8, 9, 10 | 225, 425, 725 |
| Hand-Axe | 5, 6, 7 | 115, 315, 615 |
| Battle Axe | 7, 8, 9 | 135, 335, 635 |
| Pole-Axe | 9, 10, 11 | 250, 450, 750 |
| Pole Arms | 9, 10, 11 | 200-275, 400-475, 700-775 |
| Lance | 6, 7, 8 | 250, 450, 750 |
| Spear | 5, 6, 7 | 105, 305, 605 |
| Trispear | 6, 7, 8 | 125, 325, 625 |
| Sap | 2, 3, 4 | 100, 300, 600 |
| Quarter Staff | 3, 4, 5 | 105, 305, 605 |
| Club | 4, 5, 6 | 100, 300, 600 |
| Mace | 5, 6, 7 | 120, 320, 620 |
| Flail | 6, 7, 8 | 135, 335, 635 |
| Spiked Mace | 7, 8, 9 | 140, 340, 640 |
| Warhammer | 8, 9, 10 | 225, 425, 725 |
| Missile Weapon | Damage Step (+1/ +2/ +3) | Price In Silver |
| Blowgun | 2, 3, 4 | 100, 300, 600 |
| Sling | 4, 5, 6 | 105, 305, 605 |
| Troll Sling | 5, 6, 7 | 115, 315, 615 |
| Windling Bow | 4, 5, 6 | 103, 303, 603 |
| Short Bow | 4, 5, 6 | 115, 315, 615 |
| Longbow | 5, 6, 7 | 160, 360, 660 |
| Light Crossbow | 5, 6, 7 | 150, 350, 650 |
| Medium Crossbow | 6, 7, 8 | 200, 400, 700 |
| Elven Warbow | 6, 7, 8 | 300, 500, 800 |
| Thrown Weapon | Damage Step (+1/ +2/ +3) | Price In Silver |
| Darts | 2, 3, 4 | 100, 300, 600 |
| Bola | 4, 5, 6 | 110, 310, 610 |
| Throwing Axe | 4, 5, 6 | 125, 325, 625 |
| Flight Dagger | 3, 4, 5 | 125, 325, 625 |
| Windling Spear | 3, 4, 5 | 145, 345, 645 |
| Hawk Hatchet | 5, 6, 7 | 225, 425, 725 |
Firebreather is more than happy to take special requests. The dwarf can use his Forge Blade talent on weapons the client wishes to upgrade, or he can even create a weapon specifically for the client. Whatever the client wishes, review the description of Forge Blade (ED, p. 107), and go over the special rules for creating weapons, armor and shields (Adept's Way, p. 138).
Firebreather works cheap. Instead of using the Forge Blade talent prices, use Firebreather's general price. He charges 50 silver multiplied by the Final Damage Step per week of work. At the end of every week he makes a Forge Blade test as stated in the Forge Blade talent.
For Example: Firebreather is asked to work on a normal broadsword. The broadsword is damage step 5, and the Final damage step will be 6. Firebreather will charge 300 silver per week (50 silver X 6) for as long as it takes him to finish.
The price seems higher than the available weapons above, but special requests do take extra time and energy, and actually his price is much lower than the rules call for.
Firebreather will also repair weapons, shields, and armor. He can restore weapons and armor to almost new by using his forging skills. Use the process described under Damage to Weapons and Armor (ED Companion, p. 117). Also, use the prices described there.
The dwarf may also buy some items, and sometimes accepts trade. He'll pay a fair price, close to his own usual prices, but because his prices tend to be low for exceptional items, sometimes he doesn't give the best deal around. It's often best to sell your stuff to someone else.
Firebreather may also give private consultation with anyone who has rare or historical weapons or armor. If the client wishes to know more about their item, Firebreather will request to keep the item for a week of study. The dwarf will use his Weapon History talent to find information for the character. Often the dwarf uncovers the Test Knowledge of the item, and may be able to instruct the client on how to uncover the Key Knowledge to tie threads. However, Firebreather's tendency to ramble may confuse more clients than help them. His information is always accurate, but is usually overwhelming and ambiguous.
The price for this consultation varies with each occasion, but if the dwarf uncovers the Test Knowledge (ED, p. 270) required for an item, then he charges an amount of silver equal to the legend point value of that rank.
For Example: If a client were to bring Firebreather Nioku's Bow (ED, p. 281), he would charge 500 silver for the first test knowledge because the legend point cost for the first rank of the Bow is 500. The second bit of knowledge would cost 1300 silver (rank 3).
Firebreather charges this flat rate no matter how long it takes him to uncover the item's history.
Firebreather loves finding the long stories behind every item brought to him. He may even aid in finding rare information if asked and the story is good enough. However, his unwillingness to leave his shop may intercede any decision he makes.
Firebreather
Sixth Circle Dwarf Weaponsmith
DEX: (15):6-1d10 STR: (13):6-1d10
TOU: (14):6-1d10
PER: (16):7-1d12 WIL: (13):6-1d10 CHA: (10):5-1d8
Initiative: 4-1d6
Physical Defense: 8
Number of Attacks: see below
Spell Defense: 8
Attack: 12-2d10
Social Defense: 6
Damage: varies with weapon choice
Armor: Ring mail: 6 (or his choice)
Number of Spells: 0
Mystic Armor: 1
Spellcasting: 0
Knockdown: 10
Effect: 0
Recovery Tests: 3-1d10
Death Rating: 72
Combat Movement: 30
Wound Threshold: 10
Full Movement: 60
Unconsciousness Rating: 58
Legend Points: ???
Karma: 12
Karma Dice: 1d6
Equipment: Firebreather can get about
anything from his shop, but his favorite weapon is a huge spiked mace (Damage
Step 9) that he's been crafting in his "spare" time. He also carries around
his tools in a large belt apron everywhere he goes.
Loot: Firebreather lives above his store
and keeps all his money hidden around his place. He also has a stash buried
in his basement. Normally he only carries enough money for whatever he has
planned for that day.
Skills: Craftsman 6 (12-2d10) (i.e. Forge/Repair
Armor and Shields and other non-weapon forging), Legendary Weapons 3, Gossip
2, Weather Prediction 1, Politics 1, Legends and Heroes 1, Runic Carving
5
Talents:
I Avoid Blow 5(11-1d10+1d8); Forge Blade 6(13-1d12+1d10); Karma Ritual
6; Melee Weapons 6(12-2d10); Steel Thought 5(11-1d10+1d8); Weapon History
6 (13-1d12+1d10)
II Durability 6(36/30); Haggle 6(11-1d10+1d8); Read/Write Languages
5 (12/2d10) Elvish, Human, Ork, Troll, T'skrang
IIIAbate Curse 5(12-2d10); Detect Weapon 6(13-1d12+1d10)
IV Speak Language 4(11-1d10+1d8) Elvish, Human, Obsidimen, T'skrang;
Thread Weaving 6(13-1d12+1d10)
V Temper Self 6(12-2d10); Warp Missile 3(10-1d10+1d6)
VI Conceal Weapon 4(11-1d10+1d8); Spot Armor Flaw 3(10-1d10+1d6)
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